ME Dubai: The spectacular masterpiece by Zaha Hadid is open again

The first appearance was short-lived: the ME Dubai, designed by Zaha Hadid for the Spanish hotel chain Meliá Hotels International, had hardly opened its doors for the first time on the 1st of March 2020, when it had to close again due to the corona pandemic. Now the long-awaited masterpiece of the star architect, who died in 2016, has celebrated its reopening – and this hotel simply has to be experienced.

The ME Dubai is the only hotel project in the world where Zaha Hadid did not miss the opportunity to personally design both the interior and exterior. The hotel is located in the Opus by Omniat building in the heart of downtown Dubai. Two 95-meter-high towers combine to form a cube in this building, while the hollowed-out interior offers an unexpected view.

But it is not only the exterior that is spectacular – the interior also offers futuristic views with glossy surfaces, a sophisticated LED lighting concept and iconic furniture that Zaha Hadid herself designed or selected for the ME Dubai. 74 rooms and 19 suites are spread over 19 floors. The design follows two themes: While the “Midnight Rooms” reflect the night sky over the skyline of Dubai, the “Desert Rooms” pay homage to the soft colors and tranquility of the desert.

15 Restaurants and Bars

The culinary offer of the 15 restaurants and bars is as diverse as Dubai. Thus the outdoor Lounge DESEO offers South American inspired flavours, cocktails and Shishas. Mediterran becomes it in the center Cosmo Tapas & bar with traditional courts from Spain. In the Botanica one of the world-best Bartender creates koestliche cocktails, which are refined with hand-picked herbs directly from the Vertical garden at the wall.

Other highlights include the “MAINE Land Brasserie” of the New England Brasserie Company, the chocolate creations of confectionery world champion Pierre Marcolini and the Japanese Robatayaki restaurant “ROKA”, which was designed by German gastronome Rainer Becker. The top gastronomy of the ME Dubai will be complemented by a changing program of DJ sessions, live music and cultural events – for example, a Zaha Hadid exhibition planned for the near future.

The more than 7,000 square meter spa and fitness area features an outdoor pool with a view of Dubai’s skyscrapers and private application rooms for couples. ME Dubai’s initiatives for more sustainability include the drinking water filter systems of “No More Bottles” – a company from the Emirates. This means that all rooms can be equipped with pure, filtered water in glass bottles.

Click here for the website of the ME Dubai